Chapter 5 - As long as you have friends, why worry?

Viveria felt that maybe she had gone a little overboard with the whole wine incident but then again Xavier had also gone overboard with his mean words. So it's justified right? Lost in her deep thoughts she didn't even hear the car that was steadily following her and even the horn which was heard on a repeat.

Parking the car, Daniel got out , followed by Dew. They both knew Viveria needed her space , so they had quietly followed her, but when she didn't even react to them calling out to her, they were genuinely worried.

Daniel lightly touching Viveria's shoulder: Hey girl, you alright??

Viveria breaking out from her trance, saw Daniel and Dew; immediately tears started to stream down her eyes and finally all the words which she had heard were settling in her mind. This is what she hated the most her intense tendency of self pity! But she just couldn't help it!

As soon as Daniel saw her cry , he and Dew both gave Viveria a tight group hug. Dew literally started to wipe off the tears that were streaming down her face and as he was doing this Viveria started tearing up even more and that's when Dew again gave her his hug. Though, Daniel always disapproved of Dew, however it was moments like this when he really valued having Dew as their friend, maybe he was childish, maybe a playboy, but he always knew how to comfort someone in pain, mostly because even he had been through a lot of pain in his life.

Daniel realizing that Viveria must be exhausted and needed to stop crying immediately, stated: Hey, come on now Vive and Dew, people will think I'm the bad person here making you guys cry.

Honestly Dew didn't even know why his eyes were also moist but what he knew was that Viveria was very important to him. And he would always protect her no matter what.

Daniel : So, just saying, I loved the wine throwing ceremony, specially feeling so so proud of you. You nailed it Vive, why are you even crying ?

Dew: You looked super cool back there Viv, I'm totally a fan of yours. Forget about what I said earlier , you never have to change for anyone. You are beautiful just the way you are.

Viveria had never felt so grateful before, maybe this is the exact reason why she had guy friends more than girls. She just hoped it would always stay the same.

Slowly forming a smile looking at both Daniel and Dew, she mouthed a thanks to which they both bowed down as a response. Just then all 3 of them heard a girl's voice.

Mellisa : Hello?? Sorry to interrupt your sweet reunion but it's kind of getting late Dew, I have to go home you know that right? By the way, you were awesome out there Viveria, more power to you girl!!

Viveria looking questioningly towards Dew: How long has she been in the car? I feel so embarrassed right now. Why didn't you guys tell me? Also, home?? So she is not going to your home??

Dew( giving both Viveria and Daniel a nervous laugh) : Actually, I forgot to tell you guys, Mellisa and I are just friends. I didn't want you guys to think any less of me because I didn't get a girl, that's why I brought her along and she really likes you Viv , by the way, so I kind of told her that she has to come to the party because you are coming too.

Viveria ( patting Dew's shoulder) : Hey its totally ok, you know you don't have to keep up a show at least in front of us. We will always understand you Dew. No matter what. But wait a second, did you use me to ask Mellisa out for the party?

Daniel disappointedly nodding his head: So remind me again why did I have to be the chauffeur for you and Mellisa? What was your reason for not bringing your car?

Dew: About that, my car, it kind of ran out of gas because I was speeding on my way here to the party. Also you are giving us a ride because you are such a kind hearted person and an absolute gentleman!

Viveria suddenly burst our laughing at this.

Daniel: Enough! you are making me feel gross now. Stop it. Just for the sake of god, get in the car! Or else I'm leaving you here!

As all of them reached their respective homes, Viveria troubled, Daniel worried and Dew snoring.

Tomorrow would be a new day. It would be ok, wouldn't it?

Location: Xavier's house

Xavier was twisting and turning in his sleep, the nightmare had caused his heart pounding and he was sweating profusely.

He was watching a dream where he was being beaten up by a bunch of other kids who knew he had no money and so were hitting him because he had refused to steal money for them. After taking a lot of bruises, the small 6 year old Daniel entered his own house only to find his mom being beaten in a more horrible way, his father had been drinking again and his mom, his mom ..

Waking up screaming out for his mom, Xavier sat up with blood shot eyes. Why had he dreamt of it again? He looked around to check where he was, realizing he was on his bed , he started to calm down and finally covering his face, he realized it was his own conscience that was doing this to him. He should have just apologized to Viveria, he knew this would happen.

Thinking about it, he suddenly remembered his father's words echoing in his ears, " Never bow down to anything except money, only money can give you what you want. This is the truth, you have to grow up selfish and not like your mom, never apologize for anything in life."

What was so wrong if he wanted to be like his mom? She was kind hearted, she was devoted, she was trusting others always; maybe that's why she...she...

Deciding otherwise, Xavier now decided he still wouldn't apologize. After all he had an image to protect. Besides she had thrown wine on him to get even, right?

So why was it that he could just not forget those painful eyes that were piercing through his soul?